Chapter 15: Bought and Paid For Summary

Without her father or her grandmother, Christmas is not as happy or exciting for Ruby as it once was. She fantasizes about her future, a marriage with Beau, who "would take me from this fractured family and place me on the threshold of a new life, one filled with hope and love" (p. 290). Mr. Dumas' ex-business partner, Bruce, is at the mansion early dressed as Santa, ready for the festivities to begin. Gisselle suffers a massive hangover from her exploits the evening before, and Ruby takes pity on her and visits the voodoo servant, Nina, for a tonic to make her better. She also asks Nina to do a charm to bless the love between her and Beau. The twins open presents with Daphne and Bruce, and Ruby is baffled by Daphne's unprecedented generosity. Daphne...